The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has told the police to exercise restraint and cease the use of force on journalists.

The union call comes after the arrest of journalist Yusef Taylor five days ago after trying to report on the arrest of Neneh Freda Gomez and her colleague. 

“The GPU calls on the Gambia Police Force to exercise restraint and cease from [sic] the use of force on journalists who have a significant mandate of not only holding the government to account, but promoting the public’s right to know – a fundamental aspect of freedom of expression, access to information and the promotion of democracy and good governance,” union said.

“We call on the police to drop the charge of ‘obstruction’ against Mr. Taylor without condition and stop the continuous harassment of the journalist by asking him to be reporting to the Senegambia Police Station,” GPU Secretary General, Modou S. Joof, said.

“Journalists are not the enemy, and we believe that the principles of the Constitution can only be upheld when journalists are allowed to do their work without harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests,” Joof added.

“The GPU is committed, ready and willing to continue engaging state authorities and security sector leaders with a view to promoting an enabling environment for press freedom, especially with regards to the safety of journalists.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba